The trial of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, commenced on October 7, 2025, at the High Court in Accra, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey).
Wontumi, who appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on October 6 after complying with an Attorney General’s directive, was granted GH¢1 million bail with two sureties, which he met promptly.
Wontumi faces three mining-related charges, primarily “mining without a license,” tied to alleged operations by his company, Akonta Mining Limited, in the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
Despite holding an off-reserve license, investigations—prompted by Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah—revealed encroachments, leading to the license’s revocation in April 2025. The case also implicates Akonta Mining and five others.
Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, affirmed his client’s innocence, stating, “We are not to maintain innocence, but we are allowed to proceed and then present our defence… We will discuss that in court.”
This follows Attorney General Dominic Ayine’s October 3 threat of arrest if Wontumi skipped the October 6 CID appearance, amid President Mahama’s CSO engagement on galamsey.
The trial, unfolding amid NPP’s internal primaries and broader anti-galamsey probes (e.g., 600 cases in 65 dockets per AG), could test political fault lines.
Social media buzz, including Citi Newsroom’s post garnering 304 views, reflects public scrutiny.
Outcomes may influence enforcement perceptions, with Wontumi’s defense poised to challenge evidence in court.
